6-26-1043 Anderson Sharug

[digitaljoel]

Semael arose early from his bed at the inn.  He hoped to get some time with Anderson Sharug before there were many people on the street.  He also knew that Anders always got an early start on the morning in order to get as much done as possible before he had to mind the shop.

 

In the common room Semael invited his companions along if they were interested, then grabbed a butt of fresh sour dough and a bit of sharp cheddar to eat for breakfast on the way.  The sun was just beginning to show above the trees as Semael began to walk down the street.  The town was still quiet.  Down the alleys a few bedpans were being emptied as people began to stir but was overridden by the smell of fresh bread coming from every inn and pastry shop along the road.

 

As he rounded the corner onto Smith street, the hammers and billows of the various smithies worked together sounding like an army fighting a heavy breathing dragon.  Half way down the street was the smaller smithy run by Anderson Sharug.  He was at the anvil working a piece of metal with surprising finesse, coaxing it into any shape he desired with a few strikes of his hammer.

 

Semael entered the shop, somewhat anxious about the reaction he would get, but of course none of that showed in his body language.  Anderson had taken a beating, and Semael felt partially responsible.  The wounds had healed some in the few days that had passed, but it was obvious there was lingering soreness.  Semael began to feel a little guilty for not coming earlier, but hoped Anderson would understand that it was an attempt to keep from betraying their professional relationship.

 

"Anders," Semael said between hammer strokes, catching his attention, "I was very concerned when I heard you had been kidnapped.  I managed to get what I believe is the story from another source, and I apologize if you feel that myself or my friends are responsible.  I hope that our taking care of Hacksaw will give you some reprieve.  I don't want to cause you any undue trouble or unwanted attention.  I would like to continue to honor our agreement if you feel it is still beneficial to you, but I understand if you feel the need to reconsider."  Semael said with the calmness, empathy, and sell assurance only a deva could manage.

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Re: AM 6-26-1043 (Open to Samael, and then Neh-toan)

[digitaljoel]

As Natan's hand lowers to his side, Semael is unceremoniously dropped the eight inches to the floor. His fighter's instinct kicks in and he deftly catches his balance just after landing, bending his knees to avoid the jarring impact. Semael sheathes his sword and dismisses his armor as a show of good intent, banishing it to nothingness with the mutter of a holy keyword, his cape and tunic settling down to his skin with a slight rustle.

The area around Semael's eyes is already turning dark as the bruises settle around his broken nose, making him look like a harlot with far too much makeup. As he begins to speak his voice takes on a nasal tone thanks to the clots in his sinuses. This is going to be far from the regal, composed demeanor Semael usually likes to keep. Perhaps that will be for the best at this point. Hopefully Natan will enjoy the humanity in the normally stoic Deva.

Semael begins to explain the situation. While he is deeply irritated with the wild goose chase Ruby had set them on, and the nearly deadly consequences for himself and the Sharugs, he emphasizes the humor and good intentions of the situation. Perhaps this show of interest in the well-being of the Sharugs will help Natan allow Semael and his party into his circle of trust.

During the explanation, Anders can't help but let out a chuckle here and there further helping to calm his son. Every time Semael looks at Anders he is smirking and looking at Semael's still swollen and bloody nose. When he gets to the point of the story of being knocked out, Anders is eager to take over the narration, accentuating the way Semael flopped to the ground after the strike from the massive door.

Anders can barely explain the scene when Neh-Tohon came through the door. He puts on his most bewildered face, trying to mock Neh-Tohon's incredulity at seeing Semael on the floor. Anders is so caught with his telling of the story that he is laughing and making other incoherent sounds from his mouth while communicating the words through the pendant.

Finally, Anders gets to the part where Willis entered the shop. Rather than cut Anders off, Semael let's him finish the story, surprised and pleased by the positive light Anders casts on him. At the end of the story Anders is still chuckling about the Guard Captain badge and the look on Willis' face as he stumbled out the door.

When he's completely finished, Semael pulls out his money bag, placing several gold on the counter. "I assure you that door took no damage, but you may want to check the hinges to ensure they are still in good shape. This money should cover the damage I did to the front door, and any other damage to the shop. I sincerely apologize for the misunderstanding and hope your head heals fully in short order Natan." Semael says in all humility.

"We will be keeping an eye on Willis to see if he has any ill intentions as a result of today. If you see any trouble whatsoever, please come to us in our official capacity as guard captains. The more there is on the record against those that are harrassing you, the better chance we have of cleaning things up."

"As for the other business, my friends and I are planning to do some more looking at the shop next door. It may take some time to figure that all out, and I would ask that you be patient with us. We plan to take it slow so as not to cause alarm. It's already obvious that it is not what it appears to be."

Semael pauses, looking for a reaction. Getting none, he continues, "If you have any further information about it, or could clue us in as to why it must be the shop next door, which isn't for sale, then that would certainly help us out, otherwise, we'll be on our way for now. We'll be checking in regularly to ensure you are ok, if that's alright with you."

Re: AM 6-26-1043 (Open to Samael, and then Neh-toan)

[venmoose]

Neh-tohon growls angrily, the sound catches everyone off guard. Irrated and frustrated he nearly kicks another door but restrains the impulse.
"I hope everyone can see what is happening, and what has been going on for years now. Once again the lawless and corupt have succeeded at taking another blow against the innocent." He walks to Semael and wipes off some his blood. "This is their doing." He then walks to Anders and points at the necklace. "That is their doing." Then he points at Natan, "Your anger is gift from them." Lastly, he lays bare his tatoo. "This is what they do people. They make us slaves to fill their coffers, they make us slaves to our fear, so we begin jump at any disturbance and mistrust everyone,and they pull our strings even when we think we're free of them." The frustration finally overcomes him and he slams his fists on the counter. "This has to stop, we have to stop them."

Re: AM 6-26-1043 (Open to Samael, and then Neh-toan)

[quickhorn]

If everything wasn't so damned funny, he would have been able to hold it in, but he just couldn't help it. Anders first snorted, and then busted up laughing again. Before he could contain it, Natan started laughing as well. And when Natan finds something funny, it seems everyone does. It was only a minute before everyone was tearing up from the chuckles. This only made it funnier as the tears caused Samael's nose to glow a bright purple which shuddered like a overfat grape on his otherwise regal face.

Finally, as everyone collected themselves, Anders grabbed his favorite scotch from behind the counter and grabbed a few shot glasses and poured. He left them on the counter, letting his company take their glass if they wanted. It was now time to get down to business, while the Deva's head still rung from the concussion.

"I'll admit," Anders says, "that I have much more respect for each of you now. I'm sorry for the way things have played out this far. But we do need the shop next door. And I believe that due to the damages to my shop and my bodily person, that the deal we had made is fair."

Anderson shifted his weight as some of his companions gathered their drinks. He continued before they could argue, "But I will assist you in whatever you need in that acquisition," Anders said, "The first being that the store next door has very little business. But there is one man that enters the store every week at the same time. Followed exactly 2 hours later by a woman. The man then leaves an hour after that, and the woman shortly thereafter."

"He'll be entering the shop in about 20 minutes from now, in case you were wondering", Anders chimed in just before they could speak and then quickly swallowed his shot and poured himself another. "And I'm sure that sounds like a perfectly reasonable job for such a skilled tracker as you Neh-toahn" Anders quickly shot out before chuckling again.

Re: AM 6-26-1043 (Open to Samael, and then Neh-toan)

[venmoose]

Laughing is not something Neh-tohon often does but for once in his life it felt good to chuckle despite his raging emotions. Once Anders finished explaining the neighboring shop's upcoming guests. Neh-tohon looked to Semael and said, "I'll see what I can hear while they are inside and then I'll tail one them. Going after both doesn't sound possible unless the man lives close by." Then looking at Anders, "If you had to pick one to follow, who would choose the man or the woman?"